ERBIUM-YAG LASER-ASSISTED CATARACT-SURGERY

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of erbium: YAG laser-assisted cataract removal. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 15 patients underwent cataractous lens removal. All the patients had a visual acuity of 20/50 or worse secondary to senile cataract. The end othelial cell count was calculated preoperatively and at 6 weeks posto peratively. A 2.94-mu m-wavelengh erbium:YAG laser with a zirconium-fl uoride fiber optic and silica tip was used to fracture and emulsify th e nucleus. The erbium:YAG laser was chosen due to its high absorption in water, a primary component of a cataractous lens. RESULTS: The post operative visual acuity was 20/30 or better in all the eyes that were treated with surgery. The endothelial cell loss at 3 months was 0% to 10%. No laser-related complications were noted. A conversion to an ult rasound surgical technique was utilized in six cases. Vitreous loss oc curred in one case due to the posterior extension of an anterior capsu lotomy tear. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the ability of an erb ium:YAG laser system to safely and effectively emulsify the lens nucle us. Laser-assisted cataract surgery is a promising new clinical proced ure.